NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
Saturday, 3 January
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30)
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Sunday, 4 January
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (18:00)
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals (18:00)
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (18:00)
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants (18:00)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00)
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (18:00)
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (21:25)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25)
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears (21:25)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders (21:25)
Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams (21:25)
Washington Commanders @ Philadelphia Eagles (21:25)
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
